Sessions Courts Lack Competence to Impose Natural Life Sentences Without Remission Under Section 302 IPC

sketch of the Supreme Court of India
Case
NAVAL KISHORE v. STATE OF PUNJAB (Supreme Court of India, 24-09-2026)
Law
Code of Criminal Procedure, Constitution of India, Indian Penal Code, Jurisprudence.

Highlights of the Judgment:

  • Examination of whether Sessions Courts possess the competence to impose special category life sentences without statutory remission under Section 302 IPC.
  • Reiteration of the established principle that only Constitutional Courts can award modified sentences exceeding ordinary life imprisonment.
  • Analysis of legislative intent comparing Section 302 IPC with post-2018 statutory amendments expressly defining natural life imprisonment.
  • Application of proportionality and reformative principles in modifying sentences to a fixed term of imprisonment without remission.